Germany’s foreign minister said on Thursday that Israel was increasingly isolated diplomatically over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the push by some countries to recognise a Palestinian state.
Johann Wadephul said in a statement before heading to Israel that the recent UN conference on a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict showed that “Israel is finding itself increasingly in the minority”.
Germany is one of Israel’s staunchest diplomatic allies but Wadephul noted that “in view of the open threats of annexation by some in the Israeli government, a growing number of European countries are ready to recognise a state of Palestine without previous negotiations”.
“A negotiated two-state solution remains the only path that can offer people on both sides a life in peace, security and dignity,” he said.
“For Germany, the recognition of a Palestinian state comes more at the end of that process. But such a process must begin now.”
